Level

ABSTRACT

A level for indicating the orientation of a surface includes a first planar surface, a second planar surface, a web coupled to the first planar surface and the second planar surface such that the first planar surface is spaced apart from and is parallel to the second planar surface, and a vial having a long axis and containing a liquid and a gas bubble. The level also includes a first magnet coupled to the first planar surface, a second magnet coupled to the first planar surface and spaced apart from the first magnet by a first distance, and a third magnet coupled to the first planar surface and spaced apart from the second magnet by a second distance that is different than the first distance. The first, second, and third magnets are positioned along the first planar surface successively without any additional magnets positioned therebetween.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationNo. 61/547,229, filed Oct. 14, 2011, the entire contents of which areincorporated by reference herein.

This application is also a continuation-in-part of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 12/912,443, filed Oct. 26, 2010, which claimspriority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/330,773, filedMay 3, 2010, and to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/255,357,filed Oct. 27, 2009, the entire contents of all of which areincorporated by reference herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to hand tools used to level a surface.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment, the invention provides a level for indicating theorientation of a surface. The level includes a first planar surface, asecond planar surface, a web coupled to the first planar surface and thesecond planar surface such that the first planar surface is spaced apartfrom and is parallel to the second planar surface, and a vial having along axis and containing a liquid and a gas bubble. The vial is coupledto the web. The level also includes a first magnet coupled to the firstplanar surface, a second magnet coupled to the first planar surface andspaced apart from the first magnet by a first distance, and a thirdmagnet coupled to the first planar surface and spaced apart from thesecond magnet by a second distance that is different than the firstdistance. The first, second, and third magnets are positioned along thefirst planar surface successively without any additional magnetspositioned therebetween.

In another embodiment, the invention provides a level for indicating theorientation of a surface. The level includes a first planar surface, asecond planar surface, a web coupled to the first planar surface and thesecond planar surface such that the first planar surface is spaced apartfrom and is parallel to the second planar surface, and a vial having along axis and containing a liquid and a gas bubble. The vial is coupledto the web. The level also includes a first magnet coupled to the firstplanar surface, a second magnet coupled to the first planar surface andspaced apart from the first magnet by a first distance, a third magnetcoupled to the first planar surface and spaced apart from the secondmagnet by a second distance that is different than the first distance,and a fourth magnet coupled to the first planar surface and spaced apartfrom the third magnet by a third distance that is different than boththe first distance and the second distance.

Other features and aspects of the invention will become apparent byconsideration of the following detailed description and accompanyingdrawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a level according to a construction ofthe invention.

FIG. 2 is another perspective view of the level of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a side view of the level shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a front view of the level shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a rear view of the level shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a side view of an alternative of the level shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a front view of an electrical outlet.

FIG. 8 is a front view of a light switch.

FIG. 9 is perspective view of a level according to another constructionof the invention.

FIG. 10 is another perspective view of the level shown in FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is a bottom view of the level of FIG. 1.

FIG. 12 is a bottom view of the level of FIG. 1, with the levelmagnetically connected to a pipe.

FIG. 13 is a top view of the level of FIG. 9.

Before any constructions of the invention are explained in detail, it isto be understood that the invention is not limited in its application tothe details of construction and the arrangement of components set forthin the following description or illustrated in the following drawings.The invention is capable of other constructions and of being practicedor of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understoodthat the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose ofdescription and should not be regarded as limiting.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1-6 illustrate a level 100 for determining whether an object islevel to a particular surface or adjusting an object to a level surface.The level 100 may be used to measure and level at different angles,i.e., 0 degrees, 30 degrees, 45 degrees, and 90 degrees. It should bereadily apparent that the level may be used by a variety of users andskilled technicians to perform a variety of leveling functions.

As shown in FIGS. 1-3, the level 100 includes a web 105 coupled to eachof a top planar surface 110, a bottom planar surface 115, a 45-degreeplanar surface 120, a 30-degree planar surface 125, and a back planarsurface 130. The top planar surface 110 is spaced apart from andsubstantially parallel to the bottom planar surface 115. The 45-degreeplanar surface 120 is disposed at an included angle of 135 degreesrelative to the top planar surface 110. The 30-degree planar surface 125is disposed at an included angle of 150 degrees relative to the bottomplanar surface 115. The back planar surface 130 is substantiallyperpendicular to the top planar surface 110 and the bottom planarsurface 115. The back planar surface 130 is connected to the top planarsurface 110 by a first connecting surface 140 and is connected to thebottom planar surface 115 by a second connecting surface 145. The firstconnecting surface 140 is disposed at an included angle of 135 degreesrelative to the top planar surface 110. The second connecting surface145 is disposed at an included angle of 135 degrees relative to thebottom planar surface 115. Additionally, any of the planar surfaces caninclude ruler markings for measuring distance.

The web 105 supports a 0-degree vial 150, a 90-degree vial 155, a45-degree vial 160, and a 30-degree vial 165. The long axis of the0-degree vial 150 is parallel with the top planar surface 110 and thebottom planar surface 115. The long axis of the 90-degree vial 155 isparallel with the back planar surface 130. The long axis of the45-degree vial 160 is parallel with the 45-degree planar surface 120.The long axis of the 30-degree vial 165 is parallel with the 30-degreeplanar surface 125. Each vial contains a liquid, a gas bubble 170, and aseries of markings 175. The vials are secured to the web 105 by threadedset screws or other means that hold the vials in place. The threaded setscrews inhibit the loosening of the vials over time and also allow foreasy replacement of damaged vials. Preferably, the markings 175 arelaser etched on the vial and the liquid is colored (e.g., green).Laser-etched markings 175 resist wearing off over time, while thecolored liquid improves the visibility of the gas bubble 170 and themarkings 175.

As the angle of the level 100 (and therefore the angle of the vial)changes relative to a fixed axis, the gas bubble 170 moves within thevial along the long axis of the vial. Each vial can be used with atleast one of the planar surfaces to determine the orientation of asurface or object to be leveled relative to level (i.e., the fixedaxis). The position of the gas bubble 170 with respect to the markings175 allows the user to determine the orientation of the surface orobject to be leveled relative to that vial. For example, when the topplanar surface 110 engages the surface or object to be leveled, thesurface or object to be leveled is level when the gas bubble is centeredalong the long axis of the 0-degree vial 150.

As best shown in FIG. 3, a first electrical outlet perimeter 180 isformed in the web 105. The perimeter 180 is shaped like the perimeter185 of a standard (120 volt AC) electrical outlet 187 (e.g., a NEMA 5-15receptacle), as shown in FIG. 7. The perimeter 180 includes a topportion 190, a bottom portion 195, a first curved side portion 200, anda second curved side portion divided into two segments 202 and 204. Theperimeter 180 is sized to engage at least a portion of the perimeter 185of the electrical outlet 187 when the electrical outlet 187 is insertedwithin the perimeter 180. When the perimeters 180, 185 are engaged,either the 0-degree vial 150 or the 90-degree vial 155 is used to levelthe electrical outlet 187. Alternatively, the perimeter 180 isconfigured to accommodate the leveling of differently shaped electricaloutlets, for example, those configured for use with different voltagesor for use in other countries. The perimeter 180 allows the user tolevel the electrical outlet 187 without attaching a face plate to theelectrical outlet 187.

A second electrical outlet perimeter 205, identical to the firstperimeter 180, is formed in the web 105. The second perimeter 205includes a top portion 210, a bottom portion 215, a first curved sideportion 220, and a second curved side portion divided into two segments222 and 224. The second perimeter 205 is spaced from the first perimeter180 so that the two perimeters 180, 205 are separated by the standardspacing between a pair of side-by-side electrical outlets. In this way,the two perimeters 180, 205 can be used to level a pair of side-by-sideelectrical outlets. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 6, the level 100only includes one electrical outlet perimeter 180. The perimeters 180and 205 can be formed on either side of the web 105.

A first light switch aperture 225 is formed through the web 105. Theaperture 225 is positioned within the perimeter 180. The aperture 225forms a third perimeter 230 that includes a top portion 235, a bottomportion 240, and two side portions 245. The perimeter 230 is shaped likethe perimeter 250 of a housing 252 of a standard light switch 255, asshown in FIG. 8. The perimeter 230 is sized to engage at least a portionof the perimeter 250 when the housing 252 and the switch 255 areinserted into the aperture 225. When the perimeters 230, 250 areengaged, either the 0-degree vial 150 or the 90-degree vial 155 is usedto level the housing 252 and the switch 255. Alternatively, theperimeter 205 is sized to engage the perimeter 257 of the switch 255. Inother alternatives, the aperture 225 and the perimeter 230 areconfigured to accommodate the leveling of different types of switches,for example, slidable dimmer switches.

A second light switch aperture 260, identical to the first aperture 225,is formed through the web 105. The aperture 260 is positioned within theperimeter 205. The aperture 260 forms a fourth perimeter 265 thatincludes a top portion 270, a bottom portion 275, and two side portions280. The second aperture 260 is spaced from the first aperture 225 sothat the two apertures 225, 260 are separated by the standard spacingbetween a pair of side-by-side light switches. In this way, theperimeters 230, 265 of the apertures 225, 260 can be used to level apair of side-by-side light switches. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 9,the level 100 only includes one light switch aperture 225.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 5, the back planar surface 130 supports acircular or bull's-eye vial 285. The bull's-eye vial 285 contains aliquid, a gas bubble 290, and at least one marking 295, similar to thosealready described. The bull's eye vial 285 is used to level a surface orobject to be leveled in two directions, where the two directions areperpendicular to each other and the two directions are perpendicular tothe planar surface engaging the surface or object to be leveled. As theangle of the level 100 (and therefore the angle of the bull's-eye vial285) changes, the gas bubble 290 moves within the vial towards or awayfrom the center point of the bull's eye vial 285. The surface or objectto be leveled is level with respect to the two directions when the gasbubble 290 is centered within the bull's-eye vial 285. The bull's-eyevial 285 is particularly useful for leveling a drain stack. Thebull's-eye vial 285 is secured to the back planar surface 130 usingarrangements similar to those already discussed and preferably bythreaded set screws.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the top planar surface 110 includes a channel300 extending along the length of the top planar surface 110. Thechannel 300 is curved so the top planar surface 110 can engage a tube,pipe, or other rounded surface for leveling. Alternatively, the channel300 is notched or V-shaped for engaging a rounded surface for leveling.In other alternatives, the top planar surface 110 is flat. The bottomplanar surface 115 includes a notch 305 extending into the web 105. Thenotch 305 is sized to provide clearance for a seam or other protrusionon the surface or object to be leveled. For example, a vent pipefrequently has a seam that makes it difficult to place the bottom planarsurface 115 on the vent pipe. The notch 305 allows the bottom planarsurface 115 to be used to level the vent pipe by providing clearancebetween the bottom planar surface 115 and the seam. Alternatively, thebottom planar surface 115 includes a channel 300 similar to the topplanar surface 110. When both the top planar surface 110 and the bottomplanar surface 115 include a depression, the two depressions can besized such that each depression accommodates a rounded surface of adifferent diameter.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the top planar surface 110 can includemagnets 310 that allow the level to be magnetically attached to asurface or object to be leveled. As shown, the magnets 310 are exposed.Alternatively, the magnets 310 are embedded in the top planar surface110 (i.e., covered and hidden from view). Preferably, the magnets 310are neodymium magnets; however, other rare earth or non-rare earthmagnets can be also be used. Alternatively, the magnets 310 aresupported by the web 105 or other surfaces of the level 100.

As shown in FIG. 1, the top planar surface 110 includes three apertures315, 320, and 325 extending into the web 105. The apertures 315, 320,and 325 allow the user to view the 0-degree vial 150, the 90-degree vial155, and the 45-degree vial 160, respectively, through the top planarsurface 110. The 30-degree planar surface 125 includes an aperture 330extending into the web 105 that allows the user to view the 30-degreevial 165 through the 30-degree planar surface.

In the illustrated construction, the level 100 has a length of about9.50 inches, a thickness of about 0.75 inches, and a height of about1.375 inches. The features of the illustrated construction may beadapted for use in constructions of the level where the level has agreater or a lesser length, width or height. The level 100 can beconstructed from aluminum, steel, plastic, or other suitable material.In addition, other features not discussed could be included on the level100 or some features discussed could be omitted from the level 100.

FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate another construction of a level 400. The level400 includes many of the same features and characteristics of the level100 shown in FIGS. 1-5. Reference is made to the description of thelevel 100 for additional characteristics and variations of the level400. The following description presents additional characteristics andfeatures of the level 400.

As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the level 400 includes a web 405 coupled toeach of a top planar surface 410, a bottom planar surface 415, a first45-degree planar surface 420, a second 45-degree planar surface 425, anda back planar surface 430. The top planar surface 410 is spaced apartfrom and substantially parallel to the bottom planar surface 415. Thefirst 45-degree planar surface 420 is disposed at an included angle of135 degrees relative to the top planar surface 410 and the second45-degree planar surface 425 is disposed at an included angle of 135degrees relative to the bottom planar surface 415. The back planarsurface 430 is substantially perpendicular to the top planar surface 410and the bottom planar surface 415. The back planar surface 430 isconnected to the top planar surface 410 by the first 45-degree planarsurface 420 and is connected to the bottom planar surface 415 by thesecond 45-degree planar surface 425.

The web 405 supports a 0-degree vial 435, a 90-degree vial 440, and a45-degree vial 445, in much the same way as was described with regard tothe construction of FIGS. 1-6. The long axis of the 0-degree vial 435 isparallel with the top planar surface 410 and the bottom planar surface415. The long axis of the 90-degree vial 440 is parallel with the backplanar surface 430. The long axis of the 45-degree vial 440 is parallelwith the second 45-degree planar surface 425. Each vial contains aliquid, a gas bubble 450, and a series of markings 455.

In some constructions, the 0-degree vial 435, and/or other vials, is aslope gradient vial 435. The slope gradient vial 435 includes a seriesof slope markings 455 that indicate one-quarter inch, one-eighth inch,and one-sixteenth inch slopes relative to the top planar surface 410 orthe bottom planar surface 415. In other alternatives, an integrated shimis included with the slope gradient vial 435 to adjust the longitudinalaxis of the vial 435 to the appropriate slope relative to the top planarsurface 410 or the bottom planar surface 415.

As shown in FIG. 10, the top planar surface 410 includes an aperture 460extending into the web 405. As shown in FIG. 9, the bottom planarsurface 415 includes an aperture 465 extending into the web 405. Theapertures 460 and 465 allow the user to view the vial 435 through thetop planar surface 410 and the bottom planar surface 415, respectively.The bottom planar surface 415 includes a channel 470 extending along thelength of the bottom planar surface 415. The channel 470 is curved sothe bottom planar surface 415 can engage a tube, pipe, or other roundedsurface for leveling. Alternatively, the channel 470 is notched orV-shaped for engaging a rounded surface for leveling.

As shown in FIG. 10, the back planar surface 430 supports a circular orbull's-eye vial 475, similar to the one already discussed. Thebull's-eye vial 475 contains a liquid, a gas bubble 480, and at leastone marking 485.

As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, a deburring tool 495 is coupled to or formedas part of the web 405. The deburring tool 495 includes a cylindricalaperture with a conical member disposed near one end and extendingtowards the opposite end of the cylindrical aperture. The deburring tool495 includes a male side 500 (FIG. 9) and a female side 505 (FIG. 10).An aperture 510 extends into first side of the web 405 and providesaccess to the male side 500 of the deburring tool 495. The male side 500includes at least one cutting surface or blade 515 and is arranged todeburr the inside of a tube (e.g., a pipe). To use the male side 500 todeburr the inside of a tube, the tube is inserted into the aperture 510so that the end of the tube contacts the male side 500. The tube orlevel 400 is then twisted about the long axis of the tube while incontact with the male side 500 so that the blade 515 cuts away any burrsfound on the inside of the tube. An aperture 520 extends into the secondside of the web 405 and provides access to the female side 505 of thedeburring tool 495. The female side 505 includes at least one cuttingsurface or blade 525 and is arranged to deburr the outside of a tube. Touse the female side 505 to deburr the outside of a tube, the tube isinserted into the aperture 520 so that the end of the tube contacts thefemale side 505. The tube or level 400 is then twisted about the longaxis of the tube while in contact with the female side 505 so that theblade 525 cuts away any burrs found on the outside of the tube. Theconical shape of the deburring tool 495 allows both sides 500 and 505 ofthe deburring tool to be used on tubes of differing diameters.Preferably, the deburring tool 495 is sized to accommodate pipe up toone-inch in diameter, with larger or smaller sizes being possible. Thedeburring tool 495 is suitable for use with metal pipe or plastic pipe.

As shown in FIG. 9, a chamfering tool 530 is formed by a slot 535 and atleast one pair of grooves 540 and 545. The slot 535 extends across theweb 405 and through the top planar surface 410 and the bottom planarsurface 415. The first pair of grooves includes a first groove 540through the top planar surface 410 and a second groove 545 through thebottom planar surface 415. The first groove 540 forms a first cuttingface 550 and the second groove 545 forms a second cutting face 555. Thepair of grooves 540 and 545 is spaced a set distance apart from the slot535. The set distance corresponds to the diameter of a tube to bechamfered. The slot 535 and the pair of grooves 540 and 545 cooperate tochamfer the end of the tube. The end of the tube is inserted into theslot 535 and the first pair of grooves 540 and 545. The tube or level400 is then twisted about the long axis of the tube so that the cuttingfaces 550 and 555 cut a chamfer into the end of the tube. Additionalpairs of grooves 560 and 565, 570 and 575, 580 and 585, 590 and 595, 600and 605, similar to the first pair of grooves 540 and 545, are providedto allow the user to chamfer tubes of different diameters. Preferably,tubes of up to four inches in diameter can be chamfered. A pair ofgrooves and the corresponding cutting faces can be configured to createan inside chamfer, an outside chamfer, or both on the end of a tube.

A shovel 610 is formed in the web 405 by a depression 615 formed in afirst side of the web 405 (FIG. 9) and three slots 620 formed in asecond side of the web 405 (FIG. 10). The shovel 610 can be used to digor clear debris from a work area as required.

FIGS. 11 and 12 further illustrate the level 100 of FIGS. 1-6. As shownin FIG. 11, the level 100 includes four magnets 700, 705, 710, 715coupled to the bottom planar surface 115. Each of the magnets 700, 705,710, 715 is positioned within a corresponding opening 716 formed in thebottom planar surface 115 such that the magnets 700, 705, 710, 715 donot extend beyond the planar surface 115. In some embodiments, themagnets 700, 705, 710, 715 may be recessed relative to the planarsurface 115. In other embodiments, the magnets 700, 705, 710, 715 may beflush with the planar surface 115.

The illustrated magnets 700, 705, 710, 715 are positioned along thebottom planar surface 115 in order such that the magnets 700, 705, 710,715 successively follow each other from the first magnet 700 at one endof the level 100 to the fourth magnet 715 at an opposite end of thelevel 100. The first magnet 700 and the second magnet 705 are positionedrearward of the notch 305, with the first magnet 700 being positionedcloser to the rear of the level 100 (illustrated as the secondconnecting surface 145). The third magnet 710 and the fourth magnet 715are positioned forward of the notch 305, with the fourth magnet 715being positioned closer to the front of the level 100 (illustrated asthe 30-degree planar surface 125).

The magnets 700, 705, 710, 715 are spaced apart along the length of thebottom planar surface 115. The first magnet 700 is spaced apart from thesecond magnet 705 by a first distance 720, from the third magnet 710 bya second distance 725, and from the fourth magnet 715 by a thirddistance 730. The second magnet 705 is spaced apart from the thirdmagnet 710 by a fourth distance 735 and from the fourth magnet 715 by afifth distance 740. The third magnet 710 is spaced apart from the fourthmagnet 715 by a sixth distance 745. Each of the distances 720, 725, 730,735, 740, 745 is measured between the center points of the twoassociated magnets 700, 705, 710, 715. In the illustrated embodiment,the first distance 720 is about one inch (about 2.54 centimeters), thesecond distance 725 is about four inches (about 10.16 centimeters), thethird distance 730 is about six inches (about 15.24 centimeters), thefourth distance 735 is about three inches (about 7.62 centimeters), thefifth distance 740 is about five inches (about 12.7 centimeters), andthe sixth distance 745 is about two inches (about 5.08 centimeters). Asused herein wherein referring to a distance, the term “about” meanswithin ⅛ (0.125) inches or 0.3175 centimeters.

The magnets 700, 705, 710, 715 are used to releasably magneticallyconnect the level 100 to an object. For example, the magnets 700, 705,710, 715 can be used to magnetically connect the level 100 to an end ofa pipe, such as black pipe, galvanized pipe, electrical conduit,electrical metallic tubing (EMT), or the like. The magnets 700, 705,710, 715 are spaced apart from one another such that two of the fourmagnets contact the end of the pipe at opposite sides along a diameterof the pipe. By using different combinations of the magnets 700, 705,710, 715, the level 100 can magnetically connect to pipes of differentdiameters. In the illustrated embodiment, the level 100 may bemagnetically connected to pipes varying in diameter between about oneinch (about 2.54 centimeters) and about six inches (about 15.24centimeters). The illustrated magnets 700, 705, 710, 715 are positionedsuch that the level 100 can couple to pipes having diameters that areone inch increments within this range (e.g., a two inch pipe, a threeinch pipe, a four inch pipe, and a five inch pipe).

As shown in FIG. 12, a pipe 717 is magnetically connected to the thirdand fourth magnets 710, 715. Typically, the dimensions used to indicatepipe diameters are whole numbers measured in inches. The actual outerdiameter of a pipe, however, is larger than the nominal pipe diameter,and the inner diameter of the pipe varies based on wall thickness of thepipe. For example, a six inch diameter black pipe has an outer diameterof 6.625 inches and an inner diameter that can vary between 4.897 inchesand 6.407 inches, depending on wall thickness.

In the illustrated embodiment, the magnets 700, 705, 710, 715 aregenerally cylindrical such that they have generally circularcross-sections. In other embodiments, the magnets 700, 705, 710, 715could have different cross-sectional shapes (e.g., ovals, rectangles,polygons, etc.) to further increase the range of pipes that the magnets700, 705, 710, 715 can engage. Additionally or alternatively, themagnets 700, 705, 710, 715 could be spaced apart at different distancesto accommodate magnetically connecting the level 100 to pipes ofdifferent diameters. Furthermore, the bottom planar surface 115 couldinclude additional magnets to increase the number of pipe diameters towhich the level 100 can be magnetically connected. In some embodiments,the level 100 may include only three magnets, which results in fewerpipe diameters to which the level 100 could be magnetically connected.Furthermore, the magnets 700, 705, 710, 715 could be coupled to the topplanar surface 110.

FIG. 13 further illustrates the level 400 of FIGS. 9-10. The level 400includes four magnets 800, 805, 810, 815 coupled to the upper planarsurface 410. The illustrated magnets 800, 805, 810, 815 are generallyarranged on the level 400 in a similar manner to the magnets 700, 705,710, 715 discussed above and are used to releasably magnetically connectthe level 400 to an object, such as an end of a pipe. Each of themagnets 800, 805, 810, 815 is positioned within a corresponding opening816 formed in the upper planar surface 410 such that the magnets 800,805, 810, 815 do not extend beyond the planar surface 410.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first magnet 800 and the secondmagnet 805 are positioned rearward of the aperture 460, with the firstmagnet 800 being positioned closer to the rear of the level 400(illustrated as the first 45-degree planar surface 420). The thirdmagnet 810 and the fourth magnet 815 are positioned forward of theaperture 460, with the fourth magnet 815 being positioned closer to thefront of the level 400 (illustrated as the shovel 610).

Similar to the magnets 700, 705, 710, 715 discussed above, the firstmagnet 800 is spaced apart from the second magnet 805 by a firstdistance 820, from the third magnet 810 by a second distance 825, andfrom the fourth magnet 815 by a third distance 830. The second magnet805 is spaced apart from the third magnet 810 by a fourth distance 835and from the fourth magnet 815 by a fifth distance 840. The third magnet810 is spaced apart from the fourth magnet 815 by a sixth distance 845.Each of the distances 820, 825, 830, 835, 840, 845 is measured betweenthe center points of the two associated magnets 800, 805, 810, 815. Inthe illustrated embodiment, the first distance 820 is about one inch(about 2.54 centimeters), the second distance 825 is about four inches(about 10.16 centimeters), the third distance 830 is about six inches(about 15.24 centimeters), the fourth distance 835 is about three inches(about 7.62 centimeters), the fifth distance 840 is about five inches(about 12.7 centimeters), and the sixth distance 845 is about two inches(about 5.08 centimeters). In other embodiments, the distances 820, 825,830, 835, 840, 845 may be relatively longer or shorter.

Although the invention has been described in detail with reference tocertain preferred embodiments, variations and modifications exist withinthe scope and spirit of one or more independent aspects of the inventionas described.

Various features and advantages of the invention are set forth in thefollowing claims.

1. A level for indicating the orientation of a surface, the levelcomprising: a first planar surface; a second planar surface; a webcoupled to the first planar surface and the second planar surface suchthat the first planar surface is spaced apart from and is parallel tothe second planar surface; a vial having a long axis and containing aliquid and a gas bubble, the vial coupled to the web; a first magnetcoupled to the first planar surface; a second magnet coupled to thefirst planar surface and spaced apart from the first magnet by a firstdistance; and a third magnet coupled to the first planar surface andspaced apart from the second magnet by a second distance that isdifferent than the first distance; wherein the first, second, and thirdmagnets are positioned along the first planar surface successivelywithout any additional magnets positioned therebetween.
 2. The level ofclaim 1, wherein the second distance is at least twice as long as thefirst distance.
 3. The level of claim 2, wherein the second distance isthree times as long as the first distance.
 4. The level of claim 1,wherein the second distance is at least about one inch longer than thefirst distance.
 5. The level of claim 4, wherein the second distance isabout two inches longer than the first distance.
 6. The level of claim5, wherein the first distance is about one inch and the second distanceis about three inches.
 7. The level of claim 1, further comprising afourth magnet coupled to the first planar surface and spaced apart fromthe third magnet by a third distance that is different than at least oneof the first distance and the second distance, wherein the fourth magnetis positioned along the first planar surface successively with thefirst, second, and third magnets without any additional magnetspositioned therebetween.
 8. The level of claim 7, wherein the thirddistance is longer than the first distance, and wherein the seconddistance is longer than the third distance.
 9. The level of claim 8,wherein the first distance is about one inch, the second distance isabout three inches, and the third distance is about two inches.
 10. Thelevel of claim 1, wherein the first planar surface defines a firstopening, a second opening, and a third opening, and wherein the firstmagnet, the second magnet, and the third magnet are positioned in thefirst opening, the second opening, and the third opening, respectively.11. The level of claim 10, wherein each magnet does not extend beyondthe first planar surface.
 12. The level of claim 1, wherein each magnetis generally cylindrical.
 13. The level of claim 1, wherein the longaxis of the vial is one of substantially parallel to and substantiallyperpendicular to the first planar surface.
 14. The level of claim 13,wherein the vial is a first vial, and further comprising a second vialhaving a long axis and containing a liquid and a gas, wherein the longaxis of the first vial is substantially parallel to the first planarsurface and the long axis of the second vial is substantiallyperpendicular to the first planar surface.
 15. A level for indicatingthe orientation of a surface, the level comprising: a first planarsurface; a second planar surface; a web coupled to the first planarsurface and the second planar surface such that the first planar surfaceis spaced apart from and is parallel to the second planar surface; avial having a long axis and containing a liquid and a gas bubble, thevial coupled to the web; a first magnet coupled to the first planarsurface; a second magnet coupled to the first planar surface and spacedapart from the first magnet by a first distance; a third magnet coupledto the first planar surface and spaced apart from the second magnet by asecond distance that is different than the first distance; and a fourthmagnet coupled to the first planar surface and spaced apart from thethird magnet by a third distance that is different than both the firstdistance and the second distance.
 16. The level of claim 15, wherein thethird distance is longer than the first distance, and wherein the seconddistance is longer than the third distance.
 17. The level of claim 16,wherein the third distance is about twice as long as the first distance,and wherein the second distance is about three times as long as thefirst distance.
 18. The level of claim 16, wherein the third distance isabout one inch longer than the first distance, and wherein the seconddistance is about one inch longer than the third distance.
 19. The levelof claim 16, wherein the first distance is about one inch, the seconddistance is about three inches, and the third distance is about twoinches.
 20. The level of claim 15, wherein the first, second, third, andfourth magnets are positioned along the first planar surfacesuccessively without any additional magnets positioned therebetween.